Mechanic close to College Park, MD ???

Rippa_MD · February 05, 2005, 05:38:03 PM

spring is fast approaching and I need to do an oil change, fix a gasket leak, and probably have valve adjusment. Would love to do it all my self but I rather have the pro's take care of it.

Any Marylanders know of a bike shop that has good prices and you guys can trust with your GS??? lil' help with finding a bike shop, that's all. and anybody know what the three things mentioned would cost??

Jared · February 06, 2005, 06:29:48 AM

Which gasket is leaking???

Rippa_MD · February 06, 2005, 05:54:54 PM

will post pics once I figured out how to. the gasket that is leaking is pictured here , it's the one on the top right corner on this ebay link.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4524425997&category=35580&sspagename=WDVW

anybody know if it'll work on a 2000? I believe that's the head cover gasket?? I dunno

Kerry · February 07, 2005, 12:59:43 AM

Yep, that's the head cover gasket. And yes, it will fit a 2000.

However, you can get that gasket by itself for $16.24 from MrCycles. (Choose "Cylinder Head Cover" from the dropdown list.)

Jared · February 07, 2005, 05:51:52 AM

Is it an issue of having a garage to do the work in? Or you just don't want to touch it?

Rippa_MD · February 07, 2005, 10:28:35 AM

Thanks Kerry!! that link got straight to the point.

Jared It's a little of both, I don't have a garage or the tools, and my skill level when it comes to repairs on my bike is low

. Which pretty much sucks cuz repairing the gasket seems straight forward, likewise changing the oil. I'm not sure if I need the Valve adjustment but is definitely a job for an expert so I want to take care of all three in one-shot. What will the repairs cost and can you/would you do it and earn a few bucks, I dunno :dunno: . or pointing me to a shop will be a great help.

Kerry · February 07, 2005, 11:46:11 AM

It all comes down to which is more valuable to you: money or time. For what it will cost you to have the work done you could do all 3 jobs yourself ... and save enough to buy ALL the tools you will ever need, plus gas for a few months (depending on the mileage you put on) and still have some left over.

My How-To video will walk you through the process of checking and adjusting your valves. I even give a tip or two about that head cover gasket. The video is over an hour long, and it only costs a couple bucks ... shipped! (See this post.)

I haven't made an Oil Change video, but there is a good pictorial How-To on GStwin.

It's up to you, of course. But if you have a warm, dry place to work and you're not planning to ride for a while anyway (because of the weather or whatever) ... consider taking the plunge!

PS - If you decide to do the job yourself, you could either get on the waiting list for one of the valve adjustment toolkits that are moving around the country, or buy your own feeler gauges (around $4) and dial (or digital) calipers (~$20) and then pick up one of davipu's valve spring compressor tools (like the Motion Pro unit but much less expensive).

Jared · February 07, 2005, 05:43:35 PM

Well that gasket and oil change is pretty much cake.... I have a set of feeler gauges here ...somewhere.. and plenty of tools.

I also have a case or more of oil (Golden spectro 10-w40...) You'd need your own filter.

At the very least we could check your valves and if you have to order shims (If you need to do anything) you could always come back and we could do it....
You can buy lunch or something...

Kerry · February 07, 2005, 06:00:36 PM

That sounds like a pretty good offer!

Jared · February 07, 2005, 06:18:17 PM

Kerry, ...... You've never seen me EAT

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Rippa_MD · February 07, 2005, 08:22:56 PM

That's an offer I can not refuse. I will order the gasket and oil filter today/morrow.. I can buy the lunch(es) as long as you have room in your stomach

. My GS will love all the repairs .

ConanLloyd · February 09, 2005, 08:09:23 AM

I have to take the front end of my bike apart to get the code off the ignition cylinder to get a new key made. Anyone want to help with that or offer tips?

I will also be doing a valve check/fix, carb cleaning and rejet and installing a new gas tank.

I live in Sykesville, MD now and have the tools and a garage. I'm not worried about the carb and valve job, but I might want some help with the front end.

se7enty7 · February 09, 2005, 10:22:14 AM

Quote from: ConanLloydI have to take the front end of my bike apart to get the code off the ignition cylinder to get a new key made. Anyone want to help with that or offer tips?

I will also be doing a valve check/fix, carb cleaning and rejet and installing a new gas tank.

I live in Sykesville, MD now and have the tools and a garage. I'm not worried about the carb and valve job, but I might want some help with the front end.

um. A locksmith should be able to make you a new key

ConanLloyd · February 09, 2005, 12:12:16 PM

True, but they have been cost prohibitive so far. Do you know of any who won't charge me over $150 to come out and cut a key?

Rippa_MD · February 15, 2005, 09:06:36 AM

I got the stuff!! meet me behind the alley just past the train tracks...

Jared: I have the oil filter and the gasket ready to GO. let me know if/when you have some free time to help out. :bribe: plenty of FOOD and some hard Greens for you..my beautiful GS really needs to get this done so keep me posted.

*where is the bribe emoticon anyway??? haha

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Mechanic close to College Park, MD ???